Chocolate Mousse Brownies

If you’re a fan of chocolate, these chocolate mousse brownies are about to become your new obsession. The contrast between the dense, fudgy brownie base and the light, airy mousse topping is a match made in dessert heaven. Perfect for chocoholics and casual dessert lovers alike, these brownies are the ultimate treat that will leave everyone reaching for seconds.

When developing the mousse for these chocolate mousse brownies, our team o recipe developers focused on making it light and airy to perfectly complement the dense, fudgy brownie base. After testing a few methods, we found that folding whipped cream into the chocolate gave it the ideal smooth, fluffy texture without losing the rich flavor. This balance of textures makes each bite feel indulgent yet perfectly balanced.

What You Need To Know

Main Ingredients: Unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, cocoa powder, heavy cream, semisweet baking chocolate, unflavored gelatin
Quick Steps: Make the brownie base, cool completely, prepare the mousse, fold whipped cream into chocolate, spread mousse over brownies, chill
Estimated Time and Yield: 8 hours 55 minutes total, yields 12 servings

Pro Tip: For extra smooth mousse, chill your mixing bowl and whisk in the freezer for 15 minutes before whipping the cream—it helps create a perfectly airy texture!

Chocolate Mousse Brownies Ingredients

You’ll love making these chocolate mousse brownies. This recipe combines a rich, fudgy brownie base with a light and creamy mousse topping, creating a dessert that everyone will crave.

How To Make This Chocolate Mousse Brownie Recipe

This homemade brownies with chocolate mousse recipe is a treat that blends rich, fudgy texture with silky chocolate mousse for an exquisite dessert. This helpful guide is designed to assist you every step of the way. Follow along, and be sure to read through our troubleshooting guide for more tips and recipe notes.

For the Brownie Base

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 baking pan with parchment, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

In a medium size microwave safe bowl, melt the chopped semisweet chocolate and butter (microwave in 20 second intervals or over a double boiler). Stir in the vegetable oil until smooth.

In a large mixing bowl, add the granulated sugar. 

Whisk in the chocolate mixture until fully combined. (The mixture will be thick.)

Whisk in eggs one at a time until just incorporated. Do not overbeat, you don’t want to add extra air.

Add the vanilla extract.

Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt over the wet mixture. Gently fold until no dry streaks remain. 

Spread batter evenly in pan. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still looks slightly underbaked.

Let brownies cool completely in the pan while you make the chocolate mousse.

For the Chocolate Mousse

Place the bowl of a stand mixer and wire whip attachment, or a medium size mixing bowl and the tines of a handheld mixer in the freezer.

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the chopped chocolate, mini marshmallows, and milk.

Stir constantly until the marshmallows and chocolate are fully melted and smooth.

Let cool to room temperature. This step is important so the heat doesn’t deflate the whipped cream.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.

Lower the mixer speed to low, and add the cooled chocolate mixture. Increase the mixer speed to high and mix until fully combined and stiff peaks form — do not overwhip.

Using either a silicone spatula, or an offset spatula, spread the chocolate mousse over the brownies. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

Remove the brownies from the refrigerator and slice them into 12 equal squares. Garnish with chocolate syrup drizzle if desired. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Chocolate Brownie Mousse Substitutions and Additions

Here are some suggestions for substitutions and additions you can make to the ingredients list. Remember, any substitutions may alter the taste and texture of the recipe, so use them at your own discretion.

Unsalted Butter: You can use salted butter instead, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.

Granulated Sugar: Swap with an equal amount of brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like sweetness and chewy brownies. 

Vanilla Extract: Try using almond extract or peppermint extract for a different flavor. Almond extract will add a nutty note, while peppermint extract will give a refreshing twist.

Dutch Processed Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Dutch processed cocoa has a dark, rich chocolatey flavor and gives your recipe a deep brown color. Natural unsweetened cocoa powder can be used, but it may result in a lighter color and slightly different flavor due to its acidity.

Semisweet Baking Bar: Dark chocolate or milk chocolate can be used instead. Dark chocolate will make the mousse richer, while milk chocolate will make a white chocolate mousse that’s much sweeter and creamier.

Whichever chocolate you choose, we recommend using high-quality baking chocolate for the smoothest texture and best flavor. This recipe won’t work with a candy bar like a Hershey Bar.

Additions:

• Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the brownie layer to give it a more intense chocolate flavor
• Fold in one cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips before baking the brownie layer
• Swirl in a few dollops of peanut butter before baking the brownies
• Fold up to one cup of mini marshmallows into the brownie layer before baking
• Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts before baking
• Make chocolate curls using a baking bar and a thin shaver to sprinkle over the mousse

Chocolate Mousse Brownie Recipe Troubleshooting Tips

Our recipe developers and testers provided these additional tips to help you as you make your chocolate brownie mousse dessert:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more easily into the batter and contributes to a better texture.
• Use Parchment Paper: When lining the pan with parchment paper, leave extra overhang on all sides. This makes it easier to lift the brownies out of the pan after they’ve cooled.
• Mixing Technique: When incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, use a folding motion rather than vigorous stirring to avoid overmixing, which can lead to dense brownies. We don’t recommend using an electric mixer for making the brownie layer.
• Baking Time: Start checking your brownies for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Oven temperatures can vary, and you don’t want to overbake the brownies.
• Gelatin Blooming: Make sure the gelatin fully absorbs the water and becomes slightly firm before dissolving it in the warm cream. This ensures the mousse sets properly, and helps you avoid clumps of gelatin in the mousse.

How To Serve Your Brownie Chocolate Mousse Dessert

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or a casual get-together, these ideas will help you make the most of your brownie dessert.

Classic Presentation: Serve the brownies on a dessert platter, dusted lightly with extra cocoa powder for a professional touch. Garnish with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to add a pop of color.

With Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream on each brownie piece adds an extra layer of creaminess. You can also sprinkle some shaved chocolate or cocoa nibs on top for added texture and flavor.

With Ice Cream: Serve the brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla or nutella ice cream. The contrast between the warm brownie and cold ice cream creates a treat that’s hard to resist.

Family Gatherings: Bring these brownies to your next family gathering. They are easy to transport and always a hit. Arrange them on a tiered dessert stand with other treats like cookies and mini cheesecakes for a visually appealing dessert table.

Beverage Pairings: A glass of cold milk is a classic choice that pairs well with brownies. For adults, consider serving with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of red wine, like a robust Cabernet Sauvignon, to enhance the chocolate flavors.

For extra special visits with friends, serve with a homemade vanilla latte or an iced mocha.

Casual Gatherings: For a casual get-together, serve these brownies in small, easy-to-handle squares.

Because these brownie desserts are an ultra-chocolatey comfort food, they’re ideal for every event from casual get-togethers to more formal celebrations. They make a great alternative to a traditional birthday cake, and make a lovely treat for Valentine’s Day or an anniversary party.

Guests of all ages will enjoy these tasty brownies at holiday events, too. Make them as a sweet ending to your Easter, Christmas, or Thanksgiving dinner.

How To Store Chocolate Mousse Brownie Desserts

Proper storage of your chocolate mousse brownies is essential to maintain their delicious texture and flavor. Here’s how you can store them to enjoy later.

MAKE AHEAD: You can make these brownies a day ahead of time. Prepare the brownies and the mousse as directed, then cover and refrigerate. This allows the mousse to set properly, making them easier to slice and serve.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store your brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days. Keeping them chilled ensures the mousse layer remains firm and the brownies stay moist.

IN THE FREEZER: For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They will last for up to two months in the freezer.

Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving, but keep in mind, the mousse may not thaw with the same consistency.

Why These Chocolate Mousse Brownies Are The Best

Chocolate mousse brownies have quickly become a favorite for many reasons. They combine simplicity with indulgence, making them a go-to dessert for various occasions.

Rich Flavor: The combination of fudgy brownies and creamy mousse creates a dessert that’s packed with chocolate goodness.

Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward, with clear steps that anyone can follow.

Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare these brownies in advance, making them perfect for busy schedules.

Versatile Serving Options: They can be dressed up for special occasions or enjoyed as a casual treat.

Chocolate mousse brownies combine rich, fudgy brownies with a fluffy chocolate mousse topping, making them a hit at any gathering. Enjoy this easy-to-make dessert that everyone will love!

More Recipes for Chocolate Lovers

• Chocolate Delight
• French Silk Brownies
• Chocolate Fudge Cake
• Chocolate Pudding Cake
• Triple Chocolate Cookies